Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Campanulaceae

Genus:

Lobelia

Species:

Lobelia gaudichaudii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

8-12 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec

Bloom Colors:

White, Red

Native Range

United States: Hawaii

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained volcanic soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to Hawaiian forests, prefers volcanic substrates